History

Kathmandu: A Peek into its Interesting History

The History of Nepal can be traced back to the 7th or 8th Century BC when the Kiratis first arrived there from the East. The location of Nepal has always been very important as it formed a crucial link in trading between the Tibetan and north Indian plains.

Nepal was a diversified kingdom of small cities and states and was ruled by the Malla Kings in the 1600s and the 1700s. Many of the country’s most beautiful temples and palaces were built during this time.

In the year 1768 the unification of Nepal took place under the Gorkha King, Prithvi Narayan Shah. It was at this time that Nepalese became the official language of the country.

In the year 1816, Shahs who were then ruling Nepal closed all the borders of Nepal and the country was isolated from other countries.

In 1846, after a terrible massacre, the Shahs dynasty rule came to an end and the Ranas were installed. The Ranas too imposed strict border regulations but they themselves visited Queen Victoria. The European architecture impressed them no end on this visit and they brought back the influence in terms of getting various buildings built in the neo-classical style. One of the more prominent buildings made with a neo-classical influence is the Singha Durbar in Kathmandu.

However, in the year 1934 a powerful earthquake rocked the Kathmandu valley and devastated much of the city. Around this time the Freedom struggle in India had gained a lot of momentum. Inspired by this, the Nepali army’s Gorkha regiments and the unhappy members of the Rana clan joined hands with each other and revolted in November 1950.

In 1951 King Tribhovan was appointed ruler. A Government consisting of the members of the newly formed Nepali Congress Party formed power.

Nepal as a country was placed on the map of the world tourists around the 1960s. In 1974, the international air services began which opened up the borders of Nepal to other countries and peoples.

During the 60s Nepal became a big attraction for tourists from all over the world. It offered a very conducive atmosphere for drugs and the hippie culture gained much momentum during this age. People were also tempted by cheap living accommodation and came in search of answers to life’s existential questions.